Drop of Doubt: The Ghost Bird Series: #5

The anticipation for this book was maddening! Short of pulling all my hair out, or starving to death, I was losing sleep eyeballing Amazon's C.L. Stone page for this title to pop up. Hello??? *waving frantically* to the Amazon Powers That Be. How could you let the Nook and Kobo beat you to release? We, the fans, have spoken! Please allow us to PRE-ORDER these books; and y'all need to release before your competitors!!! (3 exclamation points = we are totally serious!!!) It's like being dropped in the desert with no water to drink, or that time of the month and no chocolate to be found; this was a desperate situation. ...must...have...book...need...to...read...So what happens?It's gonna be Sang's 16th birthday. Gabriel's going crazy trying to plan for it and they're all trying to figure out what to get her, but then, what the *^&%$! Scary ask* creepy stalker dude, accessorized with freaky mask, terrorizes the skittles out of everyone. (* I didn't cuss, but if you've read these books, you know there's plenty. ☺) Our favorite boys are running all over the place trying to figure out what this guy wants with Sang, while Mr. Blackbourne investigates bomb threats at the school. Nasty Greg is back, ugh. Glasses boy and Karen make appearances. McCoy is still missing. Principal Hendricks is as detestable as ever; and Faceless Freak injects doubt into Sang about the Academy and the guys. Her loyalty is being tested, will she be able to continue to trust the Academy, the guys, and their intentions? Is it the end of intimacy and romance as we know it for our Academians? Did I get sucked into a series that I thought had an HEA, but instead is going to end in an apocalypse? NO, thank goodness. But C.L.'s writing is so convincing, I was truly terrified that someone was gonna die and thus force Sang to narrow down her choices.But then the plot pivots, transitioning smoothly into a funny or romantic, tender moment. Sigh....great writing takes you on a roller-coaster of an emotional ride and C.L. Stone delivers theme-park worthy amounts in Drop of Doubt. You will be satisfied... well, except for the fact that you want more of the guys. I was literally chewing my nails off and squishing myself into the sofa cushions because it was that compelling. Action and excitement, mystery and seduction; ample opportunities to swoon here, people! Sang discovers the luxuries of a spa visit, learns to not to lean back on a steering wheel while making out in a car, and gets some hands on espionage Academy training.What's going on in Sang's head?She recalls Mr. B telling her that she shouldn't let them treat her like she's incapable. So she's allowing a bit more of her assertiveness and sassiness to pop up. As Victor is comforting her, she remembers Kota saying that the guys all knew how she felt. Then she's like, Oh yeah, maybe the guys need her to understand them too. So, how does one go about showing another that they care? AFFECTION!!! (Ah, C.L. that was a good initiation from Sang.) You truly get to understand Sang's perspective in this book. The way she questions and reasons things out in her head, it all makes sense for who she is and for the circumstances in which she finds herself. She's an intuitive, level-headed, intelligent smart-a$$ packaged complete with manners, and selfless generosity. She just wants to be part of the team, the family, and she's willing to do her part. By no means is any of them perfect, nor do they have perfect home lives, but The Academy is a choice, and they all choose to do what's right. I was so proud of how strong she tried to be, but poor thing, she's got her kryptonite. Looking forward to the guys helping her more with that in the future books.And I must say, THANK YOU C.L. for having the guys tell Sang what they love about her. It drives me nuts when I read books and guys are crazy about the girl, but you've got no clue what they see in her. There are plenty of moments in here where the guys tell Sang what makes her such a great person! And then, it's like falling in love with them all over again. sigh...melt...I know you wanna know - which guys are featured with her?They all are. Victor, Silas, Dr. Green (Hello Sean, we are on a first name basis now), Luke, and Gabriel have more Sang time in this book. Then we get a splash of Nathan, and bits of Mr. B, Kota and North. Steamy, steamy is all I'll say.Some quotes:1. To Sang - "You didn't say it'd be too difficult or you'd learn someday. An Academy member steps up and says let's go. You've got that natural drive for self-improvement. It's a big deal."2. He released his hold on my waist and brought both palms to my cheeks. "Told you I'd do anything for you, Princess. I mean it."3. To Sang - "God, you're so little. I don't know how I thought it was Kota. And you were so cute and you've got those big green eyes that look so lost sometimes."4. I swallowed some air and some courage. I needed to show him. I needed him to know I understood.5. To Sang - "I tried to deny it before, too. I can't any more. You belong with us... Stay with us. Always."6. Sang's thoughts - I couldn't figure out how to tell him how much I appreciated him. I simply didn't know how to ask out loud.♥♥♥ So, as I head off to the spa, click above, NOW, and get this book!!! ♥♥♥The teaser trailer: [...]

This has to be the best book in the series yet. It continues on from book 4 in the series. in this book, Sang and the Academy guys are dealing with loads of things on their hands. Between Mr.Hendricks questioning Sang, them still trying to complete their Ashley waters assignment, Greg coming back , and secret notes coming from a mysterious person, all while still dealing with their feelings, it makes everything pretty tough. Sang is a shy, pretty, lovable girl with chameleons hair and a big heart she wants to share with everyone. You are going to be surprised at how much drama is going to happen in this book. Let's just say there will be some jealousy. Sang is beginning to recognise her talents and connection she has with the group. She is going to learn to stick up for herself, but still show the guys how much she cares for them. You are looking at a new evolved girl. There hasn't been one time in the book that made me want to stop reading for even a minute. :)Kota is a protective caring guy with a heart full of gold out to give to Sang. I'm going to tell you right now that there will be a time you look at Kota and shake your head at him. He starts to get very protective of her and demand more time with her. Kota will definitely not disappoint.While Kota has a heart of gold, Victor has a heart of gold AND a pocket full of gold. ;) In this book, Victor will be one of the main guys in the series. One reason I like Victor is because he spoils Sang. Lol. he is willing to please her by any means. Let me just let you know that you will have your draw dropping to the core of the Earth when you read the end of this book.Silas is still the old same Silas. You won't see too much if him in this book, but I think C.L. Stone said he was going to be one of the main characters in the next book!Nathan is just like Silas. You don't see much of him till the next book. There will be a time he sticks up for her but other then that, not much of him.Gabriel is awesome. I love him. Poor misunderstood Gabriel. in this book you shall see a more sensitive side towards him towards the end of the book. Let me just say I love the three musketeers! ( Which consists of Luke, Nathan, and Gabriel.) he has a very key point of the book that makes you really think.Luke is my secret crush. I really want to give you guys a spoiler about him so below I will put spoiler alert in caps.SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!: Sang kisses him on the cheek!!!!!!!North is cool as always. DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE OTHER BOOKS.... As you heard from the last book, North was the first to crack and admit his love. There will be someone you can add to that list to later? Not a whole lot of North if you ask me, but enough to be pleased if I was a huge fan of him....which I am.Mr.Blackbourne and Mr Green (aka Sean)... they will both connect with Sang in this story much to my happiness. Mr.Green will get some nice parts in the story, a little more then Mr.B.Now that I introduced you to the main characters, Ill let you know you will meet MUCH more. Remember the nerd boy? his name is Will and he will get some parts. We see a little bit of Karen here and there which is nice. I don't want to spoil this for you so I will say my conclusion. This book is very good and NOT a waste of four dollars. I swear you will regret it if you don't get it. I beg you!!!!!!! Since you all keep begging me Ill give you one HINT/SPOILER.... Watch the help. and not the movie.*Thank you for reading my review and I hope you enjoy the book. If you would like to read some cheats for the future BOOKS and chat with a group of awesome girls about your crushes on the guys, then follow C.l. Stone on Facebook. I am in the Hidden Hearts Acadamy group where we discuss the boys but I think it's in the secret mode. if you really want to join message someone from the group and see if they let you in. great info.*-Devianna Smith

I was late coming into these books and only had a weeks wait for this book (which was a week too long lol) what I love about these books are the way CL manages to keep your interest as a reader in not one but NINE male leads. All of them have different quirks and mannerisms that make them so unique but instantly recognisable and you can have your favourites or be like Sang and why choose??This book is the start of Sang growing and blossoming, yes there are doubts that creep in (whispered by what I believe to be a misguided person). The boys are as stubborn, head strong and domineering as usual with feelings starting to show more and more, though not necessarily understood/wanted right now. And Gabe <3 just made my heart hurt. If you haven't already done so, READ IT!! I promise you won't be disappointed

This series just gets better and better and in all honestly I love all of the guys - I don't think I could choose just one as my favourite cos they're all just so lovable .I don't trust Karen and Wil though , not entirely sure why I don't and I've had a bad feeling since book 4 that Mr McCoy's just going to turn up and ruin any kind of trust between Sang and the guys as it seems she doesn't completely trust them now anyway given their secrets , Derek's revelations and Volto putting doubts into her head .I honestly can't wait for the next book and I'm curious as to what Kota would do if Sang joined the Academy [which at this point I think she will do] and who will have put her forward for it . I'm also hoping that soon the whole Sang's biological mother and father situation is addressed - and that no-one tells her they love her before they all realise what Mr Blackbourne , North and Victor know .

I started reading the first of the ghost bird series after I read the first in the scarab beetle series, I have read all of the book in both series in only 2 days! I love them all and I couldn't put them down, sang is quite weak at first and you (as the reader) feel sympathy towards her, but then after a while you start to see sangs strong side come through and you get to know all of the characters really we'll. I also really loved the scarab beetle series and I can't wait for book 2, both series intertwine slightly and it's nice. I am desperate for the next ones in the series! Please bring them out soon!

This book is action packed from start to finish! This books starts to let you see more of the boys personalities and see Sangs skills and talents coming through. Loving this series so much and can't wait to find out what is to come, when the boys will pluck up the courage to show Sang how they truly feel and find out who Volto is and why he is doing what he is!!A MUST READ!! Do it you won't be sorry :)

Who is Sang stalker? This was the best so far in this series, Sang is coming into her own slowly but surely. Gabe gets injured , threats bombs creepy principal mansions, sleepovers and Karen, an odd character who seems to know something about the Academy and the guys, great stuff